Place a long, thin tube with a camera on the end through this cut. This is called an arthroscope. The camera is attached to a video monitor in the operating room. This tool lets the surgeon look inside your knee area and work on the joint.

Make another cut and passes tools through this opening. A small pointed tool called an awl is used to make very small holes in the bone near the damaged cartilage. These are called microfractures.

These holes release cells from your bone marrow that can build new cartilage to replace the damaged tissue.

Why the Procedure Is Performed

You may need this procedure if you have damage to the cartilage:

In the knee joint

Under the kneecap

The goal of this surgery is to prevent or slow further damage to the cartilage. This will help prevent knee arthritis. It can help you delay the need for a partial or total knee replacement.

This procedure is also used to treat knee pain due to cartilage injuries.

A surgery called autologous chondrocyte implantation or mosaicplasty can also be done for similar problems.

Always let your provider know about any cold, flu, fever, herpes breakout, or other illness you may have before your surgery.

On the day of your surgery:

You may be asked not to drink or eat anything for 6 to 12 hours before the procedure.

Take the drugs your doctor told you to take with a small sip of water.

Your doctor or nurse will tell you when to arrive at the hospital.

After the Procedure

Physical therapy may begin in the recovery room right after your surgery. You will also need to use a machine, called a CPM machine. This machine will gently exercise your leg for 6 to 8 hours a day for several weeks. This machine is most often used for 6 weeks after surgery. Ask your provider how long you will use it.

Your doctor will increase the exercises you do over time until you can fully move your knee again. The exercises may make the new cartilage heal better.

You will need to keep your weight off your knee for 6 to 8 weeks unless told otherwise. You will need crutches to get around. Keeping the weight off the knee helps the new cartilage grow.

You will need to go to physical therapy and do exercises at home for 3 to 6 months after surgery.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Many people do well after this surgery. Recovery time can be slow. Many people can go back to sports or other intense activities in about 9 to 12 months. Athletes in very intense sports may not be able to return to their former level.

People under age 40 with a recent injury often have the best results. People that are not overweight also have better results.